The days of clerks selling train tickets at metro stations are numbered with automatic ticketing machines set to be installed across Shanghai's network.

The ticketing system upgrade of 35 stations is expected to be completed by the end of next year. The scheme has already been introduced in some metro stations.

With construction upgrade works already fast-tracked, the new ticketing system will streamline ticket sales and cut operating costs.

Shanghai plans to extend its current metro network of 145 kilometers to 400 kilometers over the next three years.

However, some commuters are skeptical about the new ticketing system, saying the machines could encounter technical difficulties, particularly during peak times.

I have started to use the automatic ticket vending machines at metros and it seems as convenient as the manual selling way for me. But I do not think the elder people in the city can easily accept it because most of them might not know how to use it, and may even be afraid of the machine. On many occasions I have seen young people using the ticket selling machine while the older people line up at the ticket selling windows.

Wu Yan, local white-collar

I think every metro station should at least keep a window open to offer passengers manual ticket selling service, especially for those from other parts of China and other countries. When I was traveling in Europe, I always preferred to buy metro tickets from clerks rather than machines, even though I understood the words on the machine's screen. Metro stations are actually a place where many people, some strangers, converge. There should be more consideration of their needs.

Yu Hai, sociologist from Fudan University

The metro operator should especially make sure that these automated machines work regularly if they want to cancel the manual ticket selling service. Otherwise, machine failure could cause even more trouble for passengers.

Echo Li, postgraduate who recently came to Shanghai for an internship

(China Daily March 30, 2007)